Thursday, October 25, 2012

Oh Baby Wards

The results of the Oh Baby Awards 2012 are out!  Breastmates was a finalist in the “Best Online Store” category – congrats to The Sleep Store who won that!

 

Quite a few of the products we stock on our website actually won awards, so I just wanted to say a huge congrats to my suppliers!  And to tell you about the products!!

 

Best breastfeeding aid

Silver: Medela Purelan Nipple Cream

 

Best product for bottle feeding

Gold: Philips AVENT Bottle

 

Best breast pump

Gold: Medela Swing

Silver: Philips AVENT Electronic Breast Pump

 

Best nursing bra

Gold: HOTmilk Lingerie

Silver: Bendon Motherlove

 

Best manchester for kids

Gold: Mum2Mum Hooded Towel

 

 

Top 10 Most Recommended: in 7th place is

Weleda Colic Powder

 

 

 

Breastfeeding Cover

Received this lovely email…

 

 “My name is Vicky and I am a Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor. Myself and a growing group of experienced and trained Mums volunteer our time to run a total of four support groups every month and we see a lot of Mums who are looking for some advice and support.

 

Recently we had a Mum come along to a group and she was using one of your nursing covers. It was the first time seeing one in action, at other times we have only seen the use of a plain wrap or blanket. Your covers are fantastic! We love the simple way they work really effectively, with the neck being rigid, what a great way for Mums ti maintain visual contact with their bub! Privacy and the confidence to breastfeed in public is a common concern for Mums and we see your wrap being a valuable way for Mums obtain both.

 

Empowering Mums to have the confidence to breastfeed in public is a big thing!”

 

You can buy Nursing Covers Here

.

Breastfeeding Cover

Received this lovely email…

 

 “My name is Vicky and I am a Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor. Myself and a growing group of experienced and trained Mums volunteer our time to run a total of four support groups every month and we see a lot of Mums who are looking for some advice and support.

 

Recently we had a Mum come along to a group and she was using one of your nursing covers. It was the first time seeing one in action, at other times we have only seen the use of a plain wrap or blanket. Your covers are fantastic! We love the simple way they work really effectively, with the neck being rigid, what a great way for Mums ti maintain visual contact with their bub! Privacy and the confidence to breastfeed in public is a common concern for Mums and we see your wrap being a valuable way for Mums obtain both.

 

Empowering Mums to have the confidence to breastfeed in public is a big thing!”

 

You can buy Nursing Covers Here

.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

in BabyLifeMagazine

Baby Life magazine have run a feature on “BUILDING A BUSINESS: THE STORY BEHIND BREASTMATES”

You can read it here

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Maternity Skirts (NZ Made)

Am loving these NZ Made skirts.  They are reversible, so you get two looks in one skirt.

 

Suitable for all women.  Including pregnancy due to the comfortable waistband.

 

Check out all designs here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/shop-management/categories/womenswear.aspx

 

 

Friday, October 5, 2012

Breastvest in Press

breast vest – a nifty new product that was stock.  Featured in Oh Baby Magazine Spring 2012

You can order your own Breast Vest here:

breast vest

 

 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Maternity Clothes Tauranga

Feedback from a customer that had purchased some maternity clothes this week:
 
Will certainly pass on your details - I know your website is quite well known as I've been forwarded the URL a few times  :-)
 
There is definitely a lack of maternity stores in Tauranga so will pass it around once I start antenatal classes!
 

Friday, September 28, 2012

HOtmilk Lingerie

HOTmilk Lingerie:  new style of maternity nightie available online now.

You can buy maternity lingerie online here

 

Its Red and its gorgeous

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Toddler Meals

A few recipe ideas for toddlers (excerpts

 

You can order the cookbook by Nicola Galloway here

 

 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Hotmilk Nursing Bra (RED)

HOTmilk Maternity Lingerie

 

This is a gorgeous new style of maternity bra in stock.  Bold and red and gorgeous!!

 

More info here:  HOTMILK NURSING BRA

 

 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Wendyl Nissen's "Mother's Little Helper"

A friend told me she has been reading the book “Mother’s Little Helper” by Wendyl Nissen.    And she spotted Breastmates listed at the back in the Resources section saying “www.breastmates.co.nz - great clothes and support for new mums”

 

Now that is a lovely surprise!!  And how wonderful that we got a little acknowledgement for our clothes, and our help for mums!!

 

Here are Wendyl’s pages: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendyl-Nissen/323617680998567    and website

http://www.wendylsgreengoddess.co.nz/

 

 

Oh Baby Awards

Just found out today that Breastmates is nominated in the 2012 Oh Baby Awards – as best online store J

 

Perhaps you could cast a vote for us http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/awards

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Pregnancy Body Changes - Weird Stuff

Being pregnant is certainly not without its challenges! Aside from the obvious expected body changes – a growing tummy, swollen breasts, morning sickness and slightly erratic moods – many mums-to-be also endure their fair share of unusual, but frankly quite amazing, changes as their body prepares for the exciting journey ahead. Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself experiencing some of these rather curious and sometimes downright weird body changes during pregnancy.  You can read this article here:

Pregnancy Body Changes – Weird Stuff

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Attachment Parenting

Do you consider yourself to be an “attachment parent”?

Attachment Parenting

 

Baby's First Poop

I just wrote an article about Baby’s First Poop, and it has a visual so you can see a warning

 

Meconium

 

 

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

HOTmilk Sale

Our sale continues..

Probably until Saturday

 

Scoot over to here to see everything that is reduced.  SALE

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Maternity Clothes Online

A couple of new maternity styles in store now.  I just love these two styles, they are so flattering for your belly bump.  Nice scoop neck, and a little frilly sleeve.

Stripes are so in this summer!

Check out our Maternity Clothes Online

 

Maternity Top

 

Maternity Dress

 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Maternity Dress

Maternity Wrap Dress

This is new in stock today, a maternity wrap dress (with three quarter length sleeves).

You can grab this maternity dress online

 

 

 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Breastfeeding Top

Today I’m wearing this breastfeeding top.  Its nice for a splash of colour.  Orangey, pinky, tropical punch colour…

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes have  come along way in recent years - gone are the pinafores, smocks, and gigantic dresses.  These days garments are figure hugging and flattering to show of your gorgeous belly and suit your mummy curves.

Shop for Maternity Clothes Online at our trusted store

The basics of maternity clothes include the following:

  • maternity tops and tshirts.  Designed with a good fit across your shoulders and stretch over your bump, generally slightly longer in length than standard pre-pregnancy tshirts, and with a curved dip at the front so there is enough fabric to cover your bump.  Ruched sides to allow for shape.  Many designs are also suitable to be used as nursing tops when baby is born.  Look for clothing in easy care fabrics.
  • Maternity tunics are very practical, as they can easily accommodate your shape.  These go great with leggings and boots.  Team them up with maternity tights  - these are specially designed with a wider belly gusset and don't gut across the top of your bump.
  • Maternity jeans and pants, and summer shorts:  these are designed with either a stretchy waistband or extendable elastic.  Maternity pants with stretchy waistbands are so functional!  You can wear the waistband pulled up over your belly which is a great way to bridge any skin gap that might be showing below your tshirt, and it also provides gentle support.  Alternatively you can fold the waistband lower and wear it over your hips.  This functionality ensures that the pants can last you throughout your entire pregnancy.
  • Maternity jeans with extendable elastic - these are made with elastic that you can access in the waistband and you can pull tight or loosen, and fasten through a specially placed button at the fly opening.  This means that you can adjust your pants as your belly grows.

Maternity skirts are popular - wear with tights and boots in winter, or sandals in summer.  These are generally also made with stretchy waistbands that you can roll up or wear down.  Bright bold patterns are a great way to feel fantastic.

Maternity dresses are available online too, which are great for a special occasion like attending a summer wedding.  Maternity dresses usually have a fitted effect across your belly.

Even if you are a larger plus size women - wearing fitted maternity clothing is more flattering than wearing looser garments which will tend to exaggerate your size.

The crucial piece of advice that we can give you when it comes to buying maternity clothing - DO NOT wear your partner's tshirts.  They won't be flattering at all, and you need to cherish your new body shape rather than hiding under his baggy tshirts!!

 

 

maternity wear

Just unloaded some colourful new clothing!  And they are available at our online store now.

 

Shop Online here

Breastfeeding Top (violet)

Breastfeeding Wrap Top (black and ecru/oat colour)

Pleated Breastfeeding Top (navy)

HOTmilk Lingerie

HOTmilk Lingerie –

 

The Purple PJ pants go really nicely with the pink Top (from last season).  Its really great that HOTmilk Lingerie are making their styles of maternity wear adaptable to go across seasons.

 

You can order Maternity Sleepwear Online

 

Nursing Top  with Pants

 

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Cake Lingerie

Cake Lingerie have a new range of seamless maternity and breastfeeding wear.  These are like a second skin, they are soooooooooo comfortable.

Seamless Nursing Tank

Seamless Bra

 

 

Monday, September 3, 2012

WARNING: Graphic

So what organ are you not born with…. But it develops in your body when you need it?

 

CautioN: Graphic Image.


I love it when my friends take photos like this for me!

 

Placentas

I just loaded an article about Placentas…

 

Along with a graphic, high quality photo that a friend saved for me.

 

You can read about it here:  Placenta

 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Solids Starter Kit

 

The Solids Starter Kit is great for freezing expressed breast milk (as well as baby’s meals of coure).

 

Here is a pic of a  30ml+ cube and a very narrow neck bottle.    So easy enough to remove frozen breastmilk and put into your bottle ready for a feed

 

You can order the Solids Starter Kit here:  Solids Starter Kit

 

 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

2012 KFR Style Awards - Congratulations!

 

We recently received notification that Breastmates had been named the winner of the “Specialist Retailer” in the 2012 Kids Fashion Review Style Awards.  Our placing had been voted by the members of www.kidsfashionreview.com 

 

  

Thursday, July 5, 2012

New HOTmilk

New style of Hotmilk Lingerie just launched today

 

PURPLE!  LOVE!!

 

More info here

 

 

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

How to test your breast pump is working

It's a bit hard to test it precisely without pumping.  But you could check that the pump is running and has suction.

 

Get a balloon and blow it up to Breast size, and then check that there is suction that pulls the balloon towards the breastshield funnel.  Or put your  hand over the breastshield and you should be able to feel suction at least.

 

Also check that the tiny white membrane disc is perfectly intact, with no  rips, tears, or milk residue.  That is the tiny part that controls the suction and often needs replacing.

 

Check this diagram which shows all the parts and the spares that we have available for you to order online:   Swing Breast Pump Parts

 

 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Free Gift with your HOTmilk Purchase

Free Gift when you buy two sets of HOTmilk Lingerie online at Breastmates

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Breastfeeding & What to Wear at Night

We are pleased to announce the arrival of MumDrop wrap, a new product for bedtime wear

The MumDrop wrap was invited by a customer of ours, who saw the need for a breast pad / bra type product for night wear.

She needed a product like this to take care of heavy nighttime breastmilk leakage that would also provide bust support while sleeping.

Lovely and comfortable to wear, and highly absorbent so you don't wake up with soaked PJs and wet sheets in your bed!

Check them out here: MumDrop Wrap

It's fun to be involved with a new product like this, and to provide a tiny bit of support for another mum starting a business.  (Thats how Breastmates was started in 2004 - with one product and selling on Trademe).

 

 

Sunday, June 10, 2012

safe co-sleeping

If you are interested in the pillow used in this poster for safe co-sleeping, it is available online at Breastmates Inflatable Pillow

 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Front Page of the Paper

Today’s paper

 

You can click to read the full story here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/about-breastmates/press/still-hooked-on-art-wear.aspx

 

 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Breast Vest Competition

New product alert.  “Breastvest

It’s a layering top which easily converts any top to breastfeeding friendly clothing.

 

We have 5 to giveaway.


Enter here  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/promos/breast-vest-nursing-tank.aspx

 

Shop online here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/shop-management/products/b/breast-vest.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

HOTmilk Babymoon Competition

Win a Babymoon!  With every purchase of HOTmilk lingerie you'll be in with a chance to win a Babymoon

HOTmilk are celebrating mothers with a Babymoon competition!

So for all HOTmilk purchases online at Breastmates from 1st April to 14th May 2012, you have a chance to win a Babymoon... Plus there are 10 consolation prizes.

All you need to do is buy HOTmilk from Breastmates.  Keep your packing slip as proof of purchase, and then enter on the HOTmilk Facebook Page.

Babymoon prize pack includes:
Dinner & accommodation for two. A sexy hotmilk lingerie set - to wear under your new outfit. A Hotmilk nightfall chemise - to slip into something more comfortable.  EGG maternity pleat dress - the flattering crossover style brings out the gorgeous pregnant goddess in you!  Sparkling swarovski earrings - to complete your outfit and put a twinkle in your eye.  Chocolates - to share during those midnight munchies.  Gorgeous scented candle and massage bar - to relax and unwind.

So start shopping..... HOTMILK LINGERIE

Dinner and accommodation only to the value of $500NZD - paid out in applicable currency to value of NZD direct to the hotel of your choice. Prize not redeemable for cash. The winner will be chosen at random. Entries close Monday 14th May 2012.  Hold on to your receipt for proof of purchase in case you are a lucky winner.  This competition is run through HOTmilk and is just something Breastmates are involved in as a retailer.